What’s on Tap This Weekend: Redhook Long Hammer IPA

Recently I was “cleaning” out my beer fridge (yes I have a refrigerator just for my beer) to make room for some more brown and pumpkin ales, and I came across an IPA I have not had in a while. Its name reminded me when I was 17 and driving down Ocean City, Maryland’s Coastal Highway and my buddy (who may have been drinking or was just an idiot) was yelling at female pedestrians, “I got a hammer in my pants!” (in his pocket he hid a stolen mallet from an all you can eat crab place). One can only imagine how douchy I felt just to be in the same car as this dude. I stopped the car 12 blocks short of our place and kicked him out. Maybe I will give him a call to make amends, and we can share this weekend’s what’s on tap selection, Redhook’s Long Hammer IPA.

Redhook Ale Brewery in Seattle has been brewing Long Hammer IPA since 1984. Long Hammer is one of my go to Indian Pale Ales. Despite having a color that is more akin to a pilsner, though there is a slight haze to it, Long Hammer is a classic IPA. It’s very drinkable, and I love the heavy hoppy citrus and earthy flavors as well as a lingering slight bitter flavor.

Here is a change; tonight I am enjoying Long Hammer with some spicy Thai food – that’s right, the Beer Professor is very cultured (Though I would have preferred some Pakistani food from Babu Bhatt, but Thai will do). I am enjoying some Nuer Phad Kraphao (or spicy beef for you Neanderthals) and the beer’s crispness and citrus flavors goes great with the spiciness.